Southern Living’s Applesauce Snack Cake

I’ve always been a Southern Living fan, so when I saw their Applesauce Snack Cake recipe, I was intrigued. Being celiac, I made it gluten free, and it was absolutely incredible. As it baked, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples—but there was also a subtle zing from the lime zest that made the aroma feel bright and fresh, like a little twist on classic fall comfort.

The cake itself was perfectly moist and tender, with just the right touch of sweetness and spice. The lime zest added a refreshing lift that balanced the cozy flavors, making every bite feel lively and comforting at the same time. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want to pour a cup of coffee, wrap yourself in a soft sweater, and savor a quiet fall afternoon. This recipe perfectly captures why I love Southern Living. It’s simply delightful. (Recipe as seen in the September editon of Southern LIving.)

Southern Living’s Applesauce Snack Cake

Ingredients

• Baking spray with flour 
• 3 large McIntosh apples (about 1 1/2 lb. total), peeled and chopped (5 cups)  
• 1 ¼ cups packed light brown sugar 
• ¾ cup canola oil 
• 2 tsp. ground ginger 
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 
• 1 tsp. grated lime zest (from 1 lime) 
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 2 large eggs 
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour  
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 tsp. baking soda 
• ½ tsp. kosher salt 

Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter 
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar 
• 2 Tbsp. whole milk 
• 3 cups powdered sugar 
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt 
• 2 Tbsp. hot water  
• Chopped toasted pecans, for garnish 

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13- x 9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. Place apple in a medium-size microwaveable bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH until softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer apple and any liquid to a food processor or blender, and puree until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds. Let cool 10 minutes. (You should have 2 cups pureed apple.)
2. Whisk together brown sugar, oil, ginger, cinnamon, lime zest, vanilla, eggs, and pureed apple in a large bowl until combined. Whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 28 to 32 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely in pan, about 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Frosting: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium. Stir in brown sugar, and bring to boil. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in milk, and return to a boil. Remove from heat, and whisk in powdered sugar and salt until smooth and thickened. If mixture is too thick, add hot water until mixture is desired consistency. Spread frosting over cooled cake; garnish with chopped pecans.

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